Creepy Medicine in Early Weld County – Greeley History Museum

There’s no denying that medical tools used in the late 1800s to early 1900s could sometimes be considered creepy. On Wednesday, July 26, the Greeley History Museum opens a new exhibit in its lower level called “Creepy Medicine in Early Weld.”

The exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into early medical, dental and vision doctors who practiced locally. The exhibit also includes enlarged photographs and various medical tools stored by the museum.

The exhibit was organized by Curator of Collections Sarah Saxe. According to Saxe, the most striking object in this particular collection is a medical vibrator from 1901.

The application of this device was thought to cure aliments like pain, venereal diseases, alcoholism, drug addiction and female hysteria. In addition to providing insight on Victorians’ understanding of medicine and the human body, it also reflects the social climate and gender biases at the time.

“Creepy Medicine in Early Weld” runs through October 29 and is one of many exhibits on display. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 4 p.m.